BMW Woes = New Car Hunt?
My parents have lost patience with BMW.
Their loved 55-plate 530d touring has an issue that so far has taken 2 months, 5+ visits to the dealer and a stack of parts to investigate but they are still no closer to a resolution.
The issue is apparently unique and is now with BMW Germany along with mutterings about software.
Funny thing is they are very pleased with the dealership, they've just been given a nightmare issue to resolve!
The car is very nearly 3 years old but my parents now have no faith in it so they're seriously considering trading it in. Thing is the garage have admitted they couldn't sell it on again until they've fixed the issue as they have to offer a 1yr guarantee so getting good value is going to be hard work.
It's also conspicuous BMW have not offered a warranty extension yet.
They've considered a 3-series but it's too small.
They've considered a 520d as it's fast enough and they like the car but they no longer trust the reliability.
So the dilemmas are these:
1. Do they trade in and get another potentially unreliable BMW. (They've been offered 6% off a new car - I said ask for more in the current market - the garage however is selling every car it's got on the forecourt so doesn't need to offer more!)
2. Do they attempt to force BMW to buy-back the car and move elsewhere?
3. Do they continue to get the car fixed and sell it elsewhere as soon as it's working again - that's assuming the fix is found before the warranty runs out!
More importantly if they move somewhere else what do they buy?!
Audi A6 Avant has good offers but is an old car that will depreciate faster than the BMW.
Merc C-Class estate is modern and current but Mum won't go near them after a bad experience with the salesmen. (E-Class will be replaced too soon to consider)
Idea's?
We're talking big estate, high residuals, excellant reliability, diesel, and auto.
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BBC News 29/09/08 : "It's the ferrets and weasels on the stock exchange that are to blame," said one pensioner.
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